As a global enterprise that is dedicated to observing and respecting all applicable laws and regulations, engaging in fair and transparent business activities, contributing extensively to our communities and society and earning the trust and respect of our stakeholders, the Sumitomo Rubber Group has made it our basic management policy to continue producing new value that will make customers’ lifestyles more pleasant and attractive while pursuing the ongoing enhancement of corporate value for stakeholders.
One aspect of this basic management policy is our Group’s dedication to fulfilling our tax obligations in an appropriate and ethical manner so that we may contribute to the development of the local and regional communities in which we operate. We will ensure timely and appropriate tax payments by observing relevant tax laws and other international rules in the countries where we operate and following the spirit of such rules.
Our Group complies with each country and region’s tax laws and regulations. We continuously collect tax information from each country, keeping abreast of the latest tax reforms. We also educate employees as necessary and strive to strengthen our tax department and develop human resources.
We consult with tax accountant corporations and tax advisors as necessary to address sophisticated and complex tax issues.
Regarding matters pointed out during tax audits, we promptly report them to management and provide feedback to relevant internal parties.
The respective companies primarily handle tax matters for each Group company, but the parent company, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, provides advice and support as needed. Additionally, each company has contracted with tax accountant corporations and advisors, receiving guidance and support as needed.
Our Group engages in tax planning activities that appropriately reflect economic entities and are in full accordance with OECD Guidelines as well as the relevant laws and regulations of the various countries in which we operate. Furthermore, our Group has pledged that we will neither exploit tax havens as a means of avoiding taxation nor engage in business dealings whose primary aim is the reduction of our tax burden.
Overseas Group companies strive to ensure appropriate transfer pricing management by preparing transfer pricing documentation following the laws and regulations of each country and setting target profit margins in line with transfer pricing policies, taking into account profit and loss conditions. In addition, we utilize Advance Pricing Arrangements with tax authorities for significant transactions.
By a resolution of our Board of Directors, our Group has established and fully implemented the necessary framework to ensure the proper execution of business of our Group. Management risks that may adversely and materially affect the business activities of the Group shall be addressed by the relevant division and/or subsidiary in advance through the analysis of those risks and the planning of countermeasures in accordance with corporate regulations concerning risk control, which stipulate risk management rules for the entire Group. Furthermore, we have also established and implemented a system of checks to ensure that our business activities are fair and honest while striving to minimize our Group’s tax risks. If necessary, advice and guidance may be sought from professionals, including tax accountant corporations or our tax advisors, in analyzing and planning countermeasures against such risks.
In 2025, we will particularly focus on responding to the Global Minimum Tax that has been legislated also in Japan.
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Our Group considers daily communication with every stakeholder to be an essential aspect of staying on top of the responsibilities of our Group. Our Group hopes to maintain trust-based relationships with tax authorities through the appropriate disclosure of all pertinent information in a timely manner and fully intends to enhance the transparency of our operations. We will also file tax returns and pay taxes on time in accordance with all relevant laws and regulations while working with tax authorities to cooperate with official requests by promptly providing all requested information.
In the event of a tax audit, we will respond sincerely to requests from the tax authorities and strive to build a relationship of trust. In case of a difference of opinion with the tax authorities, we will resolve the issue through constructive dialogue.
